SOCIAL IMPACT
We love and respect people. It is vital for us to make a positive change, not only environmentally but socially. Behind each item we create stand people, who we value and know personally.
Garbage collectors, artisans, designers, sewers are ALL part of Up-fuses’ local production.
In addition to our environmental impact, we have played a pivotal role in empowering women by offering employment opportunities !
Through constant vocational training programs tailored for underprivileged and refugee women, we equip them with the necessary skills to create our products from scratch ! Opening avenues for potential employment within the company or fostering self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship.
So far , Up-fuse has managed to provide over 50 job opportunities to talented, yet less privileged, Egyptian artisans.
Introducing
THE GARBAGE CITY & OUR TIER 2 SUPPLIER
Known as Cairo Garbage City and is among the world's largest garbage districts, being home to 60,000 Zaballeen - garbage-collectors. These entrepreneurial garbage workers have achieved a remarkably efficient waste disposal system, recycling over 80% of the garbage collected daily, accounting to 3000 – 4000 tons. To further impress you, developed cities and multinational waste disposal corporations recycle only 20 - 30% of what they collect, leaving the rest to rot in giant landfills.
Their innovative recycling practices have intrigued people worldwide and Up-fuse is happy to be able to contribute!
Up-fuse gave many of the women from the district the opportunity to earn stable incomes through flexible working schedules that acknowledge their responsibilities as hardworking wives and mothers. After vocational training, these amazing women surprised us by their enthusiasm and artistic touches that are an Up-fuse signature in the material production phase, making The Garbage City in Cairo our hub for collecting, upcycling and storing raw and finished materials.
Take a minute to watch this!
people who inspire change
Sudanese Migrants & Refugees and our Tier 1 manufacturers.
Up-fuse constantly creates vocational training for migrants to teach them different sewing workshops.
Either this workshop being funded by Up-Fuse or funded by an organization, the aim is to help teach those women and include them in our production pipeline.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
We believe that small actions can make a big difference.We. With plastics taking 1000 years to decompose, it is one of the main environmental issues around the globe. Especially in Egypt, we are facing daily pollution to an extreme extent – and therefore we need to make a change.
Up-fuse has developed techniques to upcycle different kinds of plastics, transforming them into sustainable fashionable bags and accessories, clothing and footwear. One bag can hinder almost 30 plastic bags from being thrown away. One shoe recycles ⅓ of a car tire. A t-shirt can recycle 6 600ml plastic bottle
Our SDG's
1. No Poverty: At Up-Fuse we help provide economic opportunities and improve livelihoods for marginalized communities, contributing to poverty reduction.
2. Gender equality: We support women’s empowerment through our employment practices and community initiatives, aligning with efforts to achieve gender equality.
3. Decent work and economic growth: By creating job opportunities and supporting fair wages, We contribute to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth and productive employment.
4. Responsible consumption and production: We promote sustainable consumption and production patterns by using upcycled materials to create our products. Our focus on recycling and reducing waste supports this goal.
5.Climate action:Our use of recycled materials helps reduce environmental impact and carbon footprint, which contributes to efforts against climate change.
6. Partnerships for the goals: s about strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing global partnerships for sustainable development. We contributes to this goal in several ways:
Collaborations and Partnerships: We often collaborate with other organizations, NGOs, and businesses to enhance our impact and reach. These partnerships can include joint projects, shared resources, and coordinated efforts to promote sustainability.
Community Engagement: By working with local communities and stakeholders, We build partnerships that drive collective action towards sustainable development goals. This can involve collaborating with local artisans, schools, or community groups.
Networking and Advocacy: We participate in networks and forums focused on sustainability, where it shares knowledge, best practices, and innovations. Such engagement helps build stronger networks for sustainable development.
Support for Social Enterprises: We may also support other social enterprises or startups that align with similar values, fostering a broader ecosystem of sustainable businesses and initiatives.